It is time for SMU to decide

[Centexpony]

Buy season tickets!! They cost very little and even if you can't make it to the games your ticket agent will give it to a less fortunate kid in the Dallas area. Who knows maybe that less fortunate kid is a heck of a running back or lineman in his pop warner league and remembers going to SMU games when he is looking at schools to play ball at.

[San Antonio Mustang]

Sorry, my influence ends the second my check clears.

I understand the sentiment, but do not agree. Turner, Orsini, and Prothro (Chair of the Board of Trustees) can be influenced by the volume of the noise as well as the dollars given. If you do not know them or you do not give big bucks you should still write them. A swarm of letters and emails will get their attention. That is why I am soliciting your action. A letter from me alone will not make much of an impact. Hundreds of letters will make an impact. Of course, if you know them, call them and let them know what you want. If you give big bucks then certainly your call will mean as much as several small or even non donors so reach out to them.

If we as fans and alums do not make our wishes known then they are less likely to do what we want. As I said I want to be in the position of conferences seeking us out and not us seeking a conference. I think without additional support we will have a wining football program, but not a marque program. I want a marque program.

[Hoop Fan]

Turner is not on the fence. He knows the implications if we are left without a dance partner.

lets hope he doesn't think Rice is an attractive/legit dance partner.

[NickSMU17]

If someone drafts a letter I'll send it...

[ponyte]

To some extent, SMU has decided. 2 years ago, the Circle of Champions ponied up the largest non AQ coaches’ salary. How does that commitment play into alignment? Though I fantasies about eh SEC, realistically does a great city with a great facility and a commitment to get a great coach (and pay him) mean anything ? Does Baylor bring any of these things to the table? Tulane? Rice? Are we more attractive now than 2 years ago?

[Charleston Pony]

pony up!

[ALEX LIFESON]

Turner is not on the fence. He knows the implications if we are left without a dance partner.

Not true, he has a cheek on each side.

[PoconoPony]

Turner knows the story is is not on the fence. Win the Hawaii bowl and applications increase 35%, alumni donations are up, moral on campus is up, alumni interest in the school is up....etc. Turner knows. The question is whether or not our pathetic athletic situation in the last 20 years has cost us the the last chance for many years to come to return to our historical heritage????

[Stallion]

somebody want to spell out exactly what we are talking about because we are signing way more academic questionmarks than anyone in Texas. If there is something specific that needs to be done then it should be spelled out. Is it tutors, Indoor Facility, Ford expansion, assistant coach pay or what.

[SMUBaller]

from waht I read the issue is more tutors --- I believe that the example was TCU that hired an addtional 22 tutors for just for thier sports teams ...

[mustangbill67]

As I understand it, the main issues are a need for many more tutors and putting the management of this academic assistance staff under SO so that these resources are better directed within the athletic department.

[SoCal_Pony]

We need to give, but also write Turner specifically. He's on the fence right now on a few academics vs. athletics issues.

we're screwed. Dr. Turner has been sitting on the fence for 15 years now. Talks a good game though. Its way too damn late for letters. Either we are teed up or we are not.

Agreed Hoop. If Turner is indeed on the fence, he has made his decision. Hopefully this is not the case.

At least the UH hierarchy is willing to devote 25% of their endowment to sports

BTW,

Ken Pye Presidency - 7 years
Gerald Turner Presidency - 16 years

[SMU89]

Nevadas approach....

http://www.rgj.com/article/20100611/SPO ... 018/SPORTS

[San Antonio Mustang]

somebody want to spell out exactly what we are talking about because we are signing way more academic questionmarks than anyone in Texas. If there is something specific that needs to be done then it should be spelled out. Is it tutors, Indoor Facility, Ford expansion, assistant coach pay or what.

I believe we need all of the above and probably more. I do not know in what order Coach Jones thinks we need them and that may not be as important as committing to doing them. Personally I would start with the academic assistance because I think it can be done in months and will have great impact on the team. If I were in charge I would be hiring individuals who are able to motivate and build confidence as well as tutor. These kids have to understand and believe they can compete with their classmates even though their ACT is 5 points lower and they have been told throughout their life they are not smart.

Stallion, I would sure like to see you fund one of these and have it named after you. The Stallion Indoor Practice Facility sure would be great.

[NavyCrimson]

Whose in charge - Turner or the Board in this organization?